Elaboration d’un mortier écologique a base de liège

Abstract

Faced with environmental challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of natural resources, the construction industry is increasingly moving toward sustainable practices. This includes the use of local and sustainable materials. The objective of this thesis is to reduce the environmental impact of construction materials by incorporating agricultural waste, such as cork, into the composition of gypsum-based mortars. Gypsum is frequently used in the construction industry due to its global availability and vaunted properties. However, it has limitations regarding its mechanical characteristics and acoustic insulation, requiring the implementation of improvement strategies. The aim of this research is to analyze the use of cork industry residues as a partial sand substitute in gypsum mixes. Various quantities of cork (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) were tested to analyze their influence on the material's physical, mechanical, and acoustic characteristics. The results indicate that the addition of cork results in a decrease in mechanical strength; however, satisfactory performance is observed up to a 50% substitution rate. Furthermore, it should be noted that permeability and water absorption capacity increase proportionally to the amount of cork used, requiring increased vigilance in humid environments. The use of a mortar composed of plaster and natural cork offers significant benefits in the field of eco-construction, particularly by improving thermal insulation and reducing the weight of structures. However, it is imperative to ensure precise control of the amount of cork added to maintain the material's mechanical performance. This study represents a significant contribution to the incorporation of bio-based materials in the field of civil engineering, paving the way for more environmentally sustainable construction practices.